When Sam Cooper showed up to his first university philosophy course last week, he was certain there would be at least one familiar face in the lecture hall.
Just a week earlier, he and his grandfather, 71-year-old Doug Cooper, learned they’d be in the same class at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, B.C.
“We were just talking about courses,” Doug told Daybreak South guest host Alya Ramadan.
“He said, ‘I think I got a philosophy course.’ I said, ‘well, hey, I’ve got philosophy. That’s my whole program.'”
They thought, perhaps, they would be in the courses during different semesters and could share textbooks.
But then they got their schedules a week before classes began. The grandfather-grandson duo, who are quite close to begin with, learned they would be in the same course.
“You’re expecting to come into a first-year course kind of knowing nobody,” Sam said. “When I found out that I would be sharing it with my grandpa, it was a cool surprise for sure.”
First day of school
Sam said he waited for his grandfather on the first day of class so they could walk in and sit together.
While Sam thought he might know one or two other students — perhaps someone from high school — he didn’t expect his grandpa to have a social circle.
Doug worried he might be a “social anchor” to his grandson. But that was not the case.
“It was quite weird,” said Sam. “A kid walks by, and he says, ‘I think I know you.’ They start chatting, and lo and behold, another kid sits beside my grandpa, and then they start chatting, and they know each other. And I’m like, I’ve never met these people in my life.”
Doug said he’s been involved with rugby development in the community for several years and has come to know a few of the young players.
“These two gentlemen just happen to be two very good rugby players in our community that I happen to know. They’re both wonderful kids.”
Homework buddies
It’s been 40 years since Doug has been in a university class. He says he’s back in the classroom as a way to keep his mind sharp.
“I guess as we get older, it’s probably wise to try and keep your mind open. It’s easy to think you know the answer to everything,” he said. “I love learning.”
Sam is working toward a science degree — although he’s exploring the other courses the university has to offer.
The course, Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking, is designed to give students tools to analyze and argue, according to UBCO’s website.
“I think this is a really timely course,” Doug said. “When you go into a room now, you almost have to read the room and be willing to state your opinions because people are really, it seems, quick to judge if your opinion doesn’t align with theirs.”
He said he looks forward to practising what they learn at home with his grandson.
And Sam is glad to have someone to work on assignments with.
“Homework will be easier for sure, having a person to bounce ideas off,” he said. “Being able to learn how to listen is a super important thing that this class teaches and something that me and grandpa will definitely be able to practice.”
Daybreak South8:36Intergenerational family learning
A grandfather and grandson ended up in the same first year philosophy class at UBC Okanagan. Sam Cooper is 18-years-old in his freshman year. His grandpa, Doug Manning is 71-years-old.